A visibly and audibly emotional Jim Nantz broke the news to a CBS audience that Grayson Murray – the 58th ranked golfer in the world – had suddenly passed away at the age of 30.
CBS began its coverage of the Charles Schwab Challenge with a somber tone as Nantz and his on-air partner Trevor Immelman broke the harrowing news of the untimely death of Murray.
After addressing the news, Nantz turned to the elephant in the room: the golf tournament that viewers had tuned in to watch.
‘I-I just want to say that the tour did offer to the family to stop play, basically at the top of the hour,’ Nantz explained. ‘The family was, again, adamant that Grayson and the family wants the tournament to go on.
‘Grayson Murray, gone way too soon, at the age of 30. Its a sad day on the PGA Tour and somehow, with heavy hearts, we’re gonna cover a golf tournament.
An emotional Jim Nantz broke the news of the death of PGA Tour golfer Grayson Murray
Murray, an eight-year tour veteran, withdrew from this week’s tournament due to an ‘illness’
‘After a break – we’re gonna cover it and we’re gonna try the best we can to be as respectful as we can in our tone and our hearts.
‘We’ll continue live from Fort Worth and as we remember Grayson Murray and this tragic news that has just hit us on the PGA Tour.’
A statement released by PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan read: ‘We are devastated to learn – and are heartbroken to share – that PGA Tour player Grayson Murray passed away this morning. I am at a loss for words.
‘The PGA Tour is a family, and when you lose a member of your family, you are never the same. We mourn Grayson and pray for comfort for his loved ones.
‘I reached out to Grayson’s parents to offer our deepest condolences, and during that conversation, they asked that we continue with tournament play. They were adamant that Grayson would want us to do so. As difficult as it will be, we want to respect their wishes.
‘The PGA Tour has grief counselors available at both tournament sites, as well as virtually for those not in the field. I am en route to Fort Worth and will share more information when we can.’
Murray, a North Carolina native, won his second PGA Tour title back in January at the Sony Open. He also finished tied for 43rd at last week’s PGA Championship and ended the 2024 Masters in 51st.
Murray, with fiancee Christiana, after winning the Sony Open in Hawaii – his second PGA win
This week, he carded a first round 68 and then played 16 holes before withdrawing due to an unspecified illness.
Golfer Luke Donald offered his condolences on Twitter in the aftermath of the news.
‘Truly devastating news that Grayson Murray has passed away. He asked me for some advice on how to play Augusta a few months ago, last week I saw him at the PGA Championship, life truly is precious.
‘My condolences and prayer to his whole family that they may find some peace.’
At the Sony Open in Hawaii in January, when he won his second PGA Tour title, he gave a now-poignant interview about hard times away from the course.
‘My rookie year was 2017 – I was young and thought I was invincible and wasn’t doing the correct stuff off the course to really give myself the best chance to succeed out here,’ he said.
‘Over the years, I’ve given in a few times and then right when I try to give up, someone gives me a little bit more inspiration, saying: “Hey you got it, you can do it”
‘Those are just the people that are close to me that I really lean on in hard times and I just have to keep pushing through. That’s the only way I know how.’
He had been open in the past about his alcohol use and ‘multiple low points’ in his life
He admitted there were ‘multiple low points,’ adding: ‘I’ve obviously been vocal about the alcohol use in the past and I’m over eight months sober and I have a beautiful fiancee that I love so much, who’s so supportive of me and my parents are so supportive of me.
‘My caddie, Jay, is one of my biggest cheerleaders. And it just makes everything so easy when I get out here inside the ropes.
‘When everyone in my circle is just really pulling for me and they’re right there with me when I do have those hard days. And I still have hard days but I feel a lot more at peace inside the ropes now.’
